A few weeks ago we took Berlin to our favorite park for a hike to get out some of her excessive puppy energy. We managed to pick the perfect Saturday as the leaves were starting to peak, so we spent the afternoon sucking in the clean autumn air and watching Berlin happily romp down the path.

Since then, the leaves have mostly fallen and turned a nasty shade of grey making our park rather unphotogenic. Not only that, but Berlin was groomed on Sunday, and because I neglected to say anything to the groomer before dropping her off, they gave her face a “poodle cut.” She looks like the most hysterical and embarassing creature to ever walk the face of the planet.

So this photo brings me back to a beautiful fall day when it was truly enjoyable to be outside, and my dog actually looked cute.

From Daily Daguerreotype

No, No, I’m here. I’m just caught up in both the Veep debates and also my constant technical issues with this blog. Nothing that is unmanageble, just things that require time and energy, and I’ll be frank. I’m one and a half glasses of red wine into this evening, and I do not have the focus to fix my blog. Call me Sarah Palin.

But I wanted to post this picture of Berlin on Nahant beach in the rain last Saturday. It’s one of our all-time favorite places to bring her and there’s nothing I love more than the beach in the rain. Except I love dancing on the beach in the rain. Which is quickly being replaced in my “Favorite Things Ever” category by… my dog on the beach in the rain.

I believe you know where I stand on toe tufts. Consider these.

From Daily Daguerreotype

We have clipped Berlin’s toenails twice since bringing her home. The first time went out without a hitch. She was totally non-plussed by the procedure and enjoyed gnawing on a rawhide bone while receiving her pedicure. The second time, however, we did not do so well. Matt was clipping and cut her quick twice which immediately made us both want to drink poison. I am still doing penance.

On Sunday I decided we needed to give it another try as her claws were starting to clack while walking on the sidewalk. While it’s a positively miserable experience for her now that she associates toe clippers with THE END OF TIME, I have to admit that I absolutely adore touching her sweet little feet covered in Fluffy Cuteness of Fur. I mean, just LOOK at these paws, people!

My phone is on the last legs of its battery life. This is to be expected seeing as I’ve gone a number of days without charging it. Wouldn’t normally be a problem, except that last night the dog ate my phone charger.

“Ate” is not entirely accurate, more like “shredded beyond recognition.” This seems to be her new gig. She’s shredding toys left and right, and has recently gone after my slippers as well. She can shred them all to kingdom come for all I care, as long as she steers clear of the leather sofa.

Most dog owners get upset when their dog starts to chew on things. Not me. I’m seeing the many upsides to this. I’m lining up a whole stack of items that I’ll smother in beef jerky and then shove in her direction. Bills, my cleaning supplies, Matt’s registration for class next semester… we could live a sweet life of Thoreau-like solitude while Berlin destroys all connection with the outside world.

Which reminds me of my best friend whom I owe a phone call. She as well, as some other wonderful people, were left without power in Columbus, OH this past week. Aside from the rotting refrigerator food, it kinda sounds like paradise.

Sorry, Kiks. I’ll get around to replacing the ole phone charger in a solid 2 months. Til then, just call Matt if ya need me.

This is Berlin with Ursula, her bestest friend in the whole wide world. She and her lovely owner, Lee, have taken us under their wing and taught me all about first-time dog ownership. They’ve been patient with us when Berlin was shy and scared and didn’t know what to do. They’ve opened up their yard, their toys, and their water with us. And I can’t tell you how much I adore Lee. She’s one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever talked to, and I truly enjoy every moment I spend with her. I kinda think of Lee and Ursy as our big sisters. And if there’s anything I love and could not get enough of, it’s big sisters.

From Daily Daguerreotype

Ok, I admit that this photo is complete crap and is being posted in it’s unedited glory PRIMARILY because of the lady with the major wedge. I laugh not AT her but WITH her, because that’s totally me on most Saturday afternoons.

So you remember when we brought home Berlin and she did nothing but hide in the corner all day and all night? We never thought she’d play with other dogs, and Lord knows we never thought she’d play fetch.

Well, things have changed. She fetches. Night and day, she fetches. She won’t stop fetching. Not even to drink water.

A few weeks ago we got her a set of tennis balls and brought her outside to give it a try. It took no more than 3 throws before she was bringing it right back to us and laying down at our feet. She now loves it so much that she is starting to like Matt more than she likes me. Because he can throw farther.

It was very exciting to see her catch on, but now she’s so obsessed she won’t play with other dogs anymore… unless it’s fetch. She used to rough and tumble with them but now hunts around the group of humans, circling, pacing, sniffing, looking everywhere for that tennis ball that she KNOWS MUST BE STUCK IN MY UNDERWEAR!

I’ve heard this is both the retreiver from her golden side and also the hunter from her poodle side. But I’m starting to get frustrated that I can’t seem to interrupt her one track mind. And she’s starting to hurt the feelings of her neighborhood playmates who are rejected for a slimy, brown tennis ball.

Please advise.

From Daily Daguerreotype